This is proving to be a very busy spring for the Winnipeg Ostomy Association. Events include the fundraising bingo nights, a presentation to the surgical unit at Victoria Hospital on April 11th, a display at the Consumer Health Information conference, and representation on the Manitoba Ostomy Product Work Group, just to identify a few. These, along with our regular executive committee meetings, chapter meetings, visitation to new ostomates and meetings with other members at the SMD Clearinghouse are all part of raising the awareness of our organization's role in the community.
The Manitoba Ostomy Product Work Group is the successor to the Ostomy Product Review Committee. Our role will be enlarged and we will now have direct input in the tendering and purchasing of ostomy supplies in the province. This is a very important task. I am very pleased that V.P. Helmut Friesen has agreed to serve on one of the Work Groups committees while I will be on another one.
Our first bingo fundraising went well. Thanks to all who participated, and to those who will do so on March 21st. We will have two more to work at, one on May 15th and another on June 18th. If anyone wishes to participate, please let me know.
Our January and February chapter meetings went well. Even though the video in January broke down, E.T. Angie Libbrecht graciously took the 'hotseat' and answered many questions from both members and guests. In February, Bob Pirson, Chief Operating Officer of the Materials Distribution Agency and (Janis Pooles, who more often than not is the person at the other end of phone when we order supplies,) explained the ordering and distribution process, then answered questions from the floor. After a break for coffee, E.T. Gay Hordienko climbed into the 'hotseat.' Many questions were asked, and at one point Gay commented, "When you say hotseat, you really mean it!" Great job to everybody involved.
That's it for now, I hope to see you out at our upcoming events.
Dave Page, President
